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Rachel Henderson ‘14: Pursuing a Career in Film
Rachel Henderson ‘14 (Communication) is using her artistic and creative talents in the world of film and directive studies. Soon after graduating from Roberts, Rachel left for sunny Southern California and Los Angeles. She is training in theatre and screenwriting, as well as launching her own independent media and creative firm.
She has done freelance work with Lisa Ella Public Relations Firm and is signed with Los Angeles CA 126 Management as part of commercial and theatrical acting. The opportunity to be mentored by one of the creative directors for Nickelodeon Studio’s Bella and the Bulldogs was another high point. Through all of these activities, Rachel’s goal is to, “be a continual vessel infused with love and light as Christ most graciously works through me.”
One of the professors who influenced her most at Roberts was Dr. Elvera Berry. Rachel writes, “I remember the first day, reclining back in the grey chairs of the Cultural Life Center that day. I was visiting for the first time and there I sat, amazed by both the learning and teaching style of Elvera Berry. There she had created ‘space’ as Parker Palmer so puts it, for the student to be known as they are known, to be accepted as they are, and to learn and ask without restriction. I can remember the students as they facilitated the conversation while Professor Berry too inquired as though she was an observer, throwing in questions as if to pick the riddled minds of her ‘participants.’ I was inspired, awed, and greatly convinced that this was the exact place I needed to be.”
Rachel’s passion for writing was nurtured at Roberts. The experiences both inside and out of the classroom encouraged her and helped her to face challenges and triumphs. Her spiritual life grew too. “As my journey continued my spiritual life became one of unison with my social and academic lifestyle. While I could see God in the magnificence of each theoretical study, I could also see him in the face of smiling friends as we flocked together on a connected spiritual pursuit, joining hands in both campus and the community.”
Rachel lives in Los Angeles and attends One Church LA. Her mother, Dianna Henderson, will be relocating from Buffalo and joining her in California.